Shock and Grief: Koh-Lanta Pioneer Stéphane Bertheau Dies at 48, TV World Mourns

The world of French television is in mourning. Stéphane Bertheau, former iconic candidate from the very first season of Koh-Lanta, a show launched in 2001 on TF1, has died at the age of 48. "It is with sadness that we have just learned of the sudden death of Stéphane Bertheau," said ALP, the program’s producer, in a brief statement shared on social media on Wednesday, July 30. He had participated in the first season of "Koh-Lanta" in 2001. At the time, he was 24 years old. After the show, he pursued a career in the audiovisual field.

Since the announcement of Stéphane’s death, tributes from many TV personalities have been pouring in on social media. "Very sad to learn of the death of Stéphane Bertheau, adventurer from the first season of ’Koh Lanta’. He was 48 years old. He was passionate about audiovisual and had made it his profession. Thoughts for his loved ones. RIP Stéphane," wrote Denis Brogniart, who has hosted the show since the second season, on his Instagram account. His former colleagues are also saddened by this loss.

"Shock!!! So young... My Stéphane, I will always remember your kindness, your gentleness, your passion for the media. I had the chance to work with you on L’école des stars and Nouvelle Star. Rest in peace," said Laurie Cholewa, a famous host and friend. Another friend, Amel, a candidate from the second season, expressed her sadness. "I still can’t believe it... And yet it’s been several days since you’ve been gone. But no, it’s impossible to believe. It’s unreal," she wrote under a video of their best memories shared on Instagram.

She adds: "Thanks to ’Koh-Lanta’, we were able to meet. Even if we didn’t live this adventure together, we were able to live others in Morocco, Thailand, Chile and more... Looking at these photos, I wanted to share them so that no one forgets you. This premature departure is not fair..." And she concludes: "Rest in peace. Have fun up there. You will be missed."

"I am a child of the Ddass of Moroccan origin," he had explained a few years ago to the newspaper Le Parisien, admitting that he had never been to Morocco, "but those I consider my real parents are French."